When MLB decided to honor Yankee Stadium in its last season by holding this year’s All-Star game there, they thought they were getting the whole package. We’re not talking about Ruth or Gehrig’s ashes, but the Yankee stars in all their little pre-game ceremonies, including the Home Run Derby. But it seems that the main Bronx Bomber, A-Rod, has decided he’s not going to participate in a souped-up televised batting practice session. See, his back hurts and he needs it. To play baseball. And have tantric sex with Madonna, but we’re just assuming that at this point.

Like a number of players, A-Rod is concerned that taking part in the Home Run Derby can damage his swing.

Yeah, from what we’ve seen lately, he swings pretty well.

“I try to stay away from that,” Rodriguez said, according to the New York Daily News. “My responsibility is to the New York Yankees. I need my swing to be at its best.”

According to the report, Rodriguez said he has been contacted by Major League Baseball, though he hasn’t spoken directly with officials.

“I’m assuming [the Derby is] what it’s about, but I don’t know,” he said, according to the Daily News.

This is the one instance where we hope a player is scared off by a curse, in this case the Home Run Derby curse, because anything else would just lead to wild speculation. About Madonna. And her riding crop. But you didn’t hear it from us.

Reports: A-Rod passing on Home Run Derby [ESPN]
Image [SI]